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Summary of How Not to Be Wrong 

4.4 . 3309 reviews

Short summary

Jordan Ellenberg is a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before this, he was hailed as a child prodigy, who had taught himself to read at an early age of two by simply watching “Sesame Street”. His genius has since blossomed immensely. His area of expertise is mathematics with a focus on arithmetic geometry, where he has conducted extensive research. He is an accomplished author both in fiction and non-fiction books. One of these books is “How Not to Be Wrong” where he employs a lot of critical thinking to simplify a lot of “tough” and challenging mathematical concepts and show their clear applications in the real world. Mathematics, Ellenberg insists, is just the science of common sense, a very glaring look at the things we already know. Whilst mathematics seems like a very complex concept, it is quite simple and it comes in a variety of forms. Ellenberg suggests in “How Not to Be Wrong” that more people look out for the “hidden math” in even the simplest of life’s concepts. When we can identify which mathematical concept is needed for each of our usually overlooked experiences, we ensure more times than not that we are rarely wrong.

Table of content

  • Summary of How Not to Be Wrong
  • About the author
  • What is How Not to Be Wrong about?
  • Who should read How Not to Be Wrong
  • Topics in How Not to Be Wrong
first key point

The assumptions that life and happenings are linear is quite wrong

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When we investigate two random occurrences that often have no connection, but happen in close succession of each other, we make the mistake of drawing a straight line in our minds from event A to event B. This is the assumption of linearity.

Event A ——————————► Event B Linearity

This is usually a result of both events happening once to one person/company over an observable period of time. Perhaps it is because we wish to find answers or reasons for the things we encounter. We will attribute the heatwave to the sun getting hotter simply because there is a straight line between the sun and heat.
In our bid to understand the world around us, we make the error of seeing connections where there aren’t.
But the sun doesn’t have a knob that’s scrolled to increase or reduce the heat, the truth is the increased heat is a measure of water vapor levels in the atmosphere, too little and there less cool air. Many mathematical models are based on linearity and are usually wrong.
Mathematical models usually use mere assumptions from limited data and thus, they are often inaccurate.
The truth is that there is no such perfection as a linear scenario, what is real though is lines that are quite less straight and more curved. Meaning the expectations are spread over a varying distribution curve. This curve is a much more relative view of the reality of the events we observe. If you wish to not be wrong with your calculations, it is best to disregard the allure of simply employing the simple linearity without any room for chance or further probability.
second key point

Sometimes, relying on mere inference can lead to many wrong results

Much scientific investigation is based on drawing the nearest conclusions based on the observable evidence. This is an important part of the mathematical process. This is called inference. An inference is a conclusion made solely on the basis of evidence and reasoning. So really, the inference is dependent on the data present.
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third key point

The expected value of a risk undertaken usually is higher than its actual value

fourth key point

We cannot truly predict the future if we observe without factoring in regression

fifth key point

The existence of regression is often overemphasized

sixth key point

Searching for the presence of linearity is a path to falsehood

seventh key point

Conclusion

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What is How Not to Be Wrong about?

Who should read How Not to Be Wrong

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Do you find yourself staring at your computer for long minutes, unaware of time slipping by? Do you enter a room and suddenly cannot remember why you stepped in the first place? Is it a herculean task for you to sit through ten pages of a book without reaching for your phone? If yes, your focus needs some work and fast.

Actually, yours is not a unique situation. Many adults like you have issues concentrating on a given task. However, in this fast-paced world of ours, you can’t afford to be not focused at all times. Thankfully, this article comes to your rescue! With the tips and tricks from Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, you will get in the top percent of folks who have mastered the art of concentration.